Mount Dora a Quaint Central Florida Village
Located less than an hour north of Orlando, FL, the quaint New England-style village of Mount Dora is an easy daytrip from anywhere in Central Florida. However, there is so much to see and do that you may want to send a few days exploring this charming town. With its lakefront setting, visitors can enjoy a host of activities from antiquing to Segway rides.
Shopping
Visitors will be amazed by the variety of unique shops located in Mount Dora. There are shops selling wine, kitchen gadgets, pet supplies, clothing, home & garden items and the list goes on. Here are a few of our favorites.
La Petite Maison - Although this little touch of Paris is not situated in the historic area, it is definitely worth a visit on your way in or out of town or both. La Petite Maison is located at 216 E Highland Street and is home to a large selection of Lampe Berger products. The Lampe Berger dispenser was invented in 1898 by Maurice Berger, a pharmacist, as a way to purify the air in hospital wards. Now designed for home use, they help clean the air by eliminating unpleasant smelling molecules including smoke, cooking, and pet odors leaving your home with a fresh scent. La Petite Maison also has a wonderful selection of European bath products, organic soaps, essential oils, and boutique gifts.
KaDee Kay Gourmet Kitchen Products is located in the heart of historic downtown Mount Dora. Owned and operated by a mother and her two daughters, this specialty kitchen store provides unique and hard to find products. They also host cooking classes.
KaDee Kay Gourmet Kitchen
Piglet’s Pantry . . . look at those yummy dog treats!
Piglet’s Pantry is located on the corner of Donnelly and 4th, Piglet’s Pantry is hard to miss. Even though we don’t have a dog, I thought this store was awesome. I have never seen a store solely devoted to our favorite four-legged friends. Here you’ll find everything your doggie friend could ever wish for. There is even a full-fledged doggy bakery in the back of the store plus pooch approved ice cream.
The Gatehouse features work from many of Central Florida’s most talented crafts people and artisans, as well as a selection of Lakeside Inngift items, note cards and more. This new boutique is located on the ground floor of The Gatehouse Building, which was originally constructed in 1908 and is the second oldest building on the Lakeside Inn grounds. Visiting artists, authors, Buddy the shop dog and a constant stream of fun music and laughter make The Gatehouse a must see when visiting Mount Dora.
Inside The Gatehouse
Wine, Food, and Cupcakes
Maggie’s Attic
Wine Tasting at Maggie’s Attic
Maggie’s Wine Attic is situated behind KaDee Kay’s down a cobblestone breezeway. Maggie’s racks host over 400 wine selections as well as over 300 imports and micro brews. By the glass, they feature over 20 different red and white selections, which change weekly, and over 60 cold beer selections that include great seasonal brews. On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, they host wine tastings and on the 2nd Saturday of the month, guests can enjoy beer tasting.
Pieces Rising is located on 4th Avenue just down from KaDee Kay’s and sits on a hill looking out to Lake Dora. It is primarily a steak and seafood restaurant. However, they had a few vegetarian options. I tried the Portobello Mardi Gras. It was a large roasted portobello mushroom cap topped with sautéd bell peppers, black beans, sun dried tomatoes and red onion slices. Very delicious!
Vitality Bistro . . . Taco Salad
Vitality Bistro is located on the 2nd floor of a multi-use building on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Baker Street. Vegetarians, vegans, and raw foodies will not have any problem finding something to eat at this restaurant since all their menu items are vegan. This casual cafe prepares all their dishes with fresh, organic, vegan and non-GMO ingredients.
The Garden Gate Tea Room, which was featured in Romantic Home Magazine, is the perfect setting for an intimate lunch with girl friends, tea parties, baby showers, bridal showers and beautiful weddings. Nesteled in the heart of the historic district of Mount Dora, it is located in between North Baker Street and Royellou Lane.
Cupcake Delights = DELICIOUS
Cupcake Delights is located in the historic district on West 5th Avenue. Voted the Best Bakery in Central Florida by their customers. They rotate over 32 flavors of cupcakes. Chocolate chip cookie dough is their best seller so far. Who doesn’t love cookie dough? Mike’s favorite was the carrot cake and mine was the red velvet. They occasionally have gluten-free and vegan varieties too.
Mount Dora Village Market – This growing farmer’s market takes place every Sunday from 9:00 am til 2:00pm. It’s a great place to bring the entire family and enjoy local crafts, yummy food and shop for fresh produce. It’s located at the South End of Donnelly Street in Elizabeth Evans Park.
Sightseeing
Self-guided Tours – To experience the charming town for FREE and by foot, pick up a map at the Chamber of Commerce located near the end of Donnelly in the former train depot. Follow the trail leading you to some of the oldest and most cherished architectural structures in Mount Dora.
Photo: Rori Paul, Rori Travels Florida
Segway Tours - Have you ever wished you could ride a flying carpet? Wouldn’t it be amazing to float just above the ground and glide over streets, sidewalks, and through parks? Well, that’s exactly what you can do during a Segway of Central Florida tour in Mount Dora.
Boat tour through the Dora Canal
Boat Tour – If you are looking for a relaxing water-based adventure, then you’ll enjoy the Rusty Anchor boat tour in Mount Dora, Florida. It provides a brief glimpse of what Florida once looked like and will give you an opportunity to see an amazing variety of wildlife up close.
Lodging
Mount Dora Historic Inn & Cottages- Mount Dora Historic Inn is a retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle. The Inn and the Cottages are just a short walk to the Historic Downtown Village.
Mount Dora Historic Inn & Cottages has a total of 14 rooms or cottages spread over five locations, all within a short walk to downtown.
Conch House Cottages
Mount Dora Historic Inn – 4 Rooms, Dick’s Room, Miss Elsie’s Room, Mister Charlie’s Room & Mary Grey’s Room and the best gourmet breakfast in Central Florida.
Tremain Street Cottages – 4 Cottages, Nantucket Cottage, Rendezvous Cottage, Garden Cottage & Hideaway Cottage
Mount Dora Cottages – 3 Cottages, 235 Cottage, English Rose Cottages & Ivy Cottage
Conch House Cottages - 3 Cottages, Oasis Cottage, Tin Roof Cottage & Veranda Cottage
Spa
Pure Aveda SalonSpa
Pure Aveda SalonSpa is located in the heart of historic downtown Mount Dora, Florida. It is a salon, spa, and Aveda retail outlet all-in-one. The building was a service station in its previous life, but Pure Aveda was able to blend the old with the new and create a recycled masterpiece. Whether you are looking for a fresh new look or just in need of a relaxing spa treatment, Pure Aveda is an experience worth experiencing! Read about our day at Pure Aveda.
